Question:
Assalamualaikum Mufti Saheb, I do my best to be a Taqleedi Hanafi. I have a few questions.
1. In our mosque I give the Khutbah once or twice a month. Due to shortage of space and other issues there are two congregations held for the Friday prayers. The first of these congregations is held before the time for Salaatul Thuhr begins. This is apparently a Shafa’i dispensation. I assume that it is permissible for me to deliver the Khutbah and conduct this service. But does it fulfil my own Shari’ requirement for the Friday Prayer?
2. Please distinguish between the terms Nawaafil and Sunnah in the Hanafi Madhab.
3. In some of my research I encountered an opinion of Imam Abu Hanifah (R.A) (or simply of the Hanafi Madhab) that it is Makrooh to lead prayers in clothing that is not culturally common to the congregation. Would this then support the idea and practice among some Khateebs in America who dress in Western clothing (whilst fully complying with all and sundry Shara’i
requirements) as they lead prayers or deliver Khutbahs?
Thank you.
Answer:
1) According to the Hanafi Madhab, the Khutbah of the Jumu’ah prayers must be offered after Zawaal (in the time of Thuhr Salaah). If it is delivered before Zawaal, then the Shari requirement of the Friday prayer would not be fulfilled.
2) Some prayers are termed as Sunnat-e-Muakkadah (2 Rak’aats before the Fardh of Fajr, 4Raka’aats before the Fardh of Thuhr) while others are called Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah or Nawaafil. The reward endowed to one by performing the Sunan-e-Muakkadah is greater than the reward of performing Nawaafil. If a person makes it a habit to leave out the Sunan-e-Muakkadah then he will be deprived of Shafa’ah (intercession). However, there is no harm in leaving out the Nawaafil.
3) This is correct, that it is Makrooh (odious) to perform Salaah in such clothing which is not culturally common to the congregation. However, one should bear in mind that we refer to Islamic culture and not that of the west. The prayers and Masaajid are Islamic symbols and should therefore be shown a considerate amount of respect.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
17 May 2005
08 Rabee’uth Thaani 1426